Georgian students and emigrants protest Russian occupation in the center of Munich

27 March, 2018

Georgian students and expatriates living in Germany gathered to condemn Russian aggression and occupation of Georgian territories.
The participants of the demonstration paid tribute to the Georgian soldier Archil Tatunashvili, who was allegedly killed by the occupation regime in Georgia’s occupied Tskhinvali Region, so-called South Ossetia. Georgian students and expatriates living in Germany condemned Russian aggression

According to one of the participants of the demonstration, Sofo Karalashvili, Russia should change its aggressive policy towards Georgia, enable citizens living on the

occupied territories to live in a peaceful environment. The participants of the demonstration paid tribute to the Georgian soldier Archil Tatunashvili

“Russia still continues its illegal activities, and our citizens are the victims of it. We condemn Russian policy and call on the politicians and officials to stop the aggressive steps directed against Georgia. Also, we express our solidarity to Georgian soldier Archil Tatunashvili’s family and hope that this tragic incident will be investigated thoroughly and his death in unclear circumstances will not remain hidden.According to the participants of the demonstration, Russia should change its aggressive policy towards Georgia

It is enough already, Russia should stop occupying Georgian territories and give the citizens opportunity to live peacefully,” said Georgian citizen living in Munich. 20 percent of Georgia’s land, in particular Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) are occupied by Russia

It is noteworthy that 20 percent of Georgia’s land, in particular Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) are still occupied by Russia.

The demonstration held under the slogan "No Occupation!” was planned through social networks by the members of Georgian community and it was then joined by the foreigners as well. Georgian citizens living in Munich also plan similar demonstrations in the future

Georgian citizens living in Munich also plan to hold the similar demonstrations protesting occupation in the future.

As a reminder, on February 22, the occupation regime detained three Georgian citizens - Archil Tatunashvili, Levan Kutashvili and Ioseb Pavliashvili in Akhalgori. On February 23, it was reported that Archil Tatunashvili died in unclear circumstances. The de facto authorities of the occupied South Ossetia said that Tatunashvili fell down the stairs when resisting law enforcers.Georgian soldier Archil Tatunashvili, allegedly killed by the occupation regime of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia)

Tatunashvili’s body was finally handed over to his family 26 days after his death as the de-facto Tskhinvali administration (so called South Ossetia) had refused to do it before an autopsy.

Archil Tatunashvili’s body was handed over to the Georgian side at Ergneti checkpoint on March 20. The International Committee of the Red Cross was directly involved in the transfer of the body.The International Committee of the Red Cross was directly involved in the transfer of the body

The examination of Tatunashvili’s body was conducted on March 20-21 at Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau. According to preliminary data, there are multiple injuries detected on his body, indicating the trace of torture, – reads the statement, released by the Center EMPATHY, which was involved in the examination of Tatunashvili’s body at the National Forensics Bureau.Georgian hero was buried with military honors on March 24

Georgian hero was buried with military honors at Mukhatgverdi Brothers Cemetery on March 24. The honorary guard stayed at Archil Tatunashvili’s house until his burial. President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili awarded deceased Georgian soldier with Medal of Honor, the highest and most prestigious national award.President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili awarded deceased Georgian soldier with Medal of Honor

The Parliament of Georgia adopted a joint resolution on Archil Tatunashvili’s case condemning Russian aggression. As reported, results of the Georgian investigation will be available in around 10 days.

Former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili has initiated to award Archil Tatunashvili the title of a national hero of Georgia.Archil Tatunashvili's father kissing the national flag at funeral ceremony

According to him, Tatunashvili repeated the heroism of Giorgi Antsukhelidze (Georgian solider brutally tortured and filmed by Russian soldiers during August War 2008) and once again reminded the whole society that homeland, fight and dedication are still important in the 21th century as it was in all previous epochs.

"Tatunashvili proved that heroes do not exist only in books”, former president of Georgia wrote on his Facebook page.